Brake Fluid And Steering Fluid ...

mints33 · October 4, 2008

What brand do you guys recommend for this? I'm not into racing or harsh driving, just need some GOOD ole, reliable fluid. Factory fluid or aftermarket, and if aftermarket, which brand? Or which brands to stay away from. lol

Thanks!!

pm26 · October 4, 2008

Actually, you can use any brand name DOT 3 brake fluid. I use the Carquest brand myself.

Same for power steering fluid. Any brand name fluid recommended for this vehicle (consult your owner's manual) will do.

Of course, you can use the GM brand, but from what I was told, the brake fluid is just regular nonsynthetic type, most likely more expensive than aftermarket brands. You need about 1.5 quarts of brake fluid to completely replace the fluid in the brake system.

I would just go to Auto Zone and buy what they have for DOT 3 brake fluid and power steering fluid for late model GM vehicles.

rjirvine · October 4, 2008

I like the Valvoline synpower fluids myself....

c4cruiser · October 4, 2008

There are any number of good DOT3 fluids available for a daily driver. Castrol LMA is a good fluid as is the Valvoline SynPower. Another good fluid (yes it's hereseay) is the Ford Motorsports HD fluid.

What to look for in a brake fluid is the wet boiling point of the fluid. The higher the number the better. DOT4 fluids begin around 390 degrees wet. Castrol LMA is 311 degrees, the Ford HD is 290, and Valvoline is 333 degrees.

PS fluid is the same way; just buy a good-quality PS fluid. I personally use Red-Line synthetic PS fluid in my Corvettes but the motors see high RPM operation and the synthetic fluids cut down on aeration in the pump and help with high fluid temps.

mints33 · October 5, 2008

Sorry about the noob question, but I've never worked w/ drum brakes before, how do you go abouts bleeding drum brakes? Is it the same as disc brakes? I see the bleeder valve on the back, is it as easy as I think? Or do you need to bleed the darn thing from the wheel cylinder inside the drum? Thanks!!!